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MG MGF Technical - Brake Lights

Hi Guys

I have only just noticed that when i depress my clutch my brake lights come on, i dont know if they all do this? i wouldnt have thought so but as i have only just noticed it i wondered if anyone has any ideas, i have checked brake light the plunger and it is clear of the clutch pedal and is free not sticking etc...

Cheers
Nick
Nick Walters

Nick,
The problem is that the break light plunger is self adjusting, it adjusts up so the breaks turn off when the pedal lifts and pushes down on the plunger. So if the pedal has been lifted manually in the past then the switch gets depressed (don't we all) further than usual, it adjusts to suit this 'higher' position.
But the higher position is transient and the pedal falls back to it's original position and because the plunger has shortened it leaves the break lights on (or wandering in your case).
The solution is easy and cheap (whyhay).
1) locate the switch (you have done this) it points upwards behind the break pedal and is (as far as I know) the only switch there (so follow the wires)
2) twist the barrel of the switch and it will come free
3) pull the switch down to remove it
4) pull very hard on the plunger, it will extend by about an inch (so it's very obvious when it frees up!)
5) press hard on the break pedal (if the break pedal has firmed up then breifly switch on the engine)
6) reinset the switch being careful not to depress the plunger, and twist to lock
7) let go of the break pedal and you should hear a ratchet noise as the switch adjusts
8) check break lights

NOTE: Do not lift the break pedal with your foot or you will have to do this again!

Will
Will Munns

Hi Nick,

Maybe your brake light switch is set very near to being on so that any flexing of the pedals assembly (eg when you press the clutch) will cause the light to come on. Test this by just lightly touching your brake pedal and checking for brake light on.

Try resetting your brake switch by pulling the plunger out etc.

HTH

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Beat me by 5 secs Will
Bruce Caldwell

or even 3 (must get my glasses cleaned and checked, mutter, mutter, mutter.....
Bruce Caldwell

Right first time - 5 seconds!!!!!
Get those glasses sorted LOL!
Paul

Ah Ha thanks guys i have done this and all seemed to go according to plan, i will wait until it is dark and have a look, i only notice it in the road signs in the rear view mirror and no one else is here to check it :0)
Nick Walters

I'm keeping right out of this one! ;-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

This thread was discussed on 02/07/2002

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